💦 Family Fun at Lost World of Tambun, Ipoh Malaysia
🛝 Swapping World-schooling for Waterslides
When we left the UK to travel full-time as a family, we knew it wouldn’t always be easy. The idea of “Smiths On Tour” sounded exciting – and it is – but the reality is a mix of schoolwork on the road, planning new destinations, and figuring out life as we go.
That’s why days like this are so important. Days where we put the maps and lesson plans aside, forget about the practicalities of travel, and just have fun. No agenda, no “learning outcomes,” just being together.
For us, that day came in Ipoh, Malaysia, when we discovered The Lost World of Tambun Waterpark – a place that gave us not only hours of laughter and excitement but also some of the most beautiful scenery we’ve ever seen.
🌴 First Impressions: A Waterpark in the Jungle
We’ve visited a few waterparks during our lifetime, but none of them looked like this. Instead of being on flat land with neon slides and little else around, Tambun rises straight out of the jungle. Towering limestone cliffs surround the park, covered in green foliage, with monkeys sometimes appearing in the distance.
Joe was already pointing out the biggest slides he could spot from the hotel room (he even used his drone to get a close up look 😅), while Tilly was excited about the slides she was also super excited about the animals she’d read about online. For me, the setting alone made the trip worthwhile – it felt like stepping into another world.
👉 If you’re planning a longer stay in Ipoh, we’ve also written a guide to exploring the Ipoh area with kids here, which covers the best family-friendly spots beyond the waterpark.
🌊 The Waterpark: Slides, Splashes, and Squeals
The waterpark itself has something for every type of family traveller.
Joe made a beeline for the tallest slides. If it was fast and adrenaline-filled, he was there. I joined him on one of the tube slides and instantly regretted it when I realised how steep the drop was – but once I hit the water at the bottom, I was in stitches. It was great to be a kid again, no parenting or being an adult!
Tilly preferred the gentler options: the subtler slides with less force and a swim in the wave pool. The waterpark is well-designed so that younger kids don’t miss out, while older children (and thrill-seeking parents) have plenty to keep them entertained.
For us, the balance was perfect. We could split up for an hour, let everyone do what they enjoyed, and then come back together without feeling rushed.
🐻 Beyond the Waterpark: Animals, Hot Springs, and Magic After Dark
What makes Tambun stand out is that it isn’t just a waterpark. Once you’ve dried off from the slides, there’s still an entire day of experiences waiting.
🦝 The Petting Zoo: This was Tilly’s highlight. She had the chance to feed a raccoon – something she had on her bucket list for months. Watching her face light up in that moment was worth the ticket price alone.
♨️ Hot Springs: After running around the waterpark all day, the natural hot springs were a welcome break and much needed rest for our tired legs. The steam cave was an absolute highlight!
🦒 Wildlife Park: With a variety of animals to see, it was more engaging than we expected. We all loved spotting creatures they’d never seen before and we got to feed Hippos!
🌌 Illuminated Forest: As the sun set, we wandered into a glowing, colourfully lit forest. It felt almost otherworldly – peaceful, magical, and completely unexpected after a busy day.
🔥 Fire Shows: To finish the evening, the park hosted live performances with fire and music. By this point we were exhausted, but it was the perfect way to end the day… the best fire show we’ve seen!
New friend!
I met the friendliest goat here, we joked that it had eyes like the Insta 360 camera 📷 👀 😅 🙏🏻
💁🏼♀️ Family Highlights
Every family member walked away with a favourite memory:
Tilly: Feeding the raccoon and facing her fears on the slides– she has been looking at more waterparks nearby since being at Tambun.
Joe: The adrenaline of the slides. He couldn’t get enough of the tallest, fastest rides.
Me (Mum): That moment of letting go, flying down a slide, and laughing along with Joe and Tilly. Sometimes the best memories come when you stop worrying about everything else life throws at you.
Tilly’s best moment!
🤩 A Real Family Day
Not every day of travel is as smooth as this one. We’ve had our share of missed buses, mood swings, and soggy backpacks. But at Tambun, things clicked.
It wasn’t about learning or sightseeing. It was about spending a whole day laughing together. That’s what made it stand out – it gave us the kind of family connection that’s harder to find when you’re constantly on the move.
🕗 Opening Hours & Visiting Information
The Lost World of Tambun is open six days of the week except Tuesdays (plus certain public holidays – always worth double-checking the official website before you go).
Waterpark & Main Attractions: 11:00am – 6:00pm daily
Night Park (Illuminated Forest & Fire Shows): 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Once you’re inside, you can stay all day long and roll straight into the evening shows. But here’s the key: 🚪 you can’t leave the park and come back in. So make sure you’ve got everything you need with you before entering.
Tip: Arrive before opening to maximise your time and plan to stay through the night park — it really feels like two experiences in one.
💡 Practical Tips for Families Visiting The Lost World of Tambun
If you’re planning your own trip, here are the essentials:
🎟 Tickets: Adults from RM117 (£20), children from RM110 (£18). Buying online often saves money and avoids queues.
🔒 Lockers: Around RM20 (£3.50) per day – a must for keeping belongings safe.
🛟 Tube rental: RM15–20 (£3–4), depending on size. Saves time and makes slides easier.
⚠️ Don’t come solo: The tubes for the slides are for 2 people only!
👜 Bring a wet bag: You’ll need to carry phones, cash, and a camera around the park. A wet bag is the easiest way to keep them dry.
📸 Camera/GoPro: Don’t miss capturing the Illuminated Forest and fire shows at night.
🩴 Footwear: Flip-flops or water shoes are essential, as the ground gets hot.
💧 Hydration: Bring refillable bottles to cope with the Malaysian heat.
👕 Sun & Culture Tip: Take a long-sleeved swimsuit or rash vest. It’ll protect against sunburn and is more respectful in Malaysia’s cultural setting than typical swimwear.
🍴 Food & Drink: Lots of affordable options inside the park, (open all day and night)– from local dishes to kid-friendly meals.
🌙 Stay late: The evening shows and light displays are a highlight – don’t leave too early.
🚘 Getting There
📍 Location: Around 20 minutes from central Ipoh.
🚗 Car/Grab: The easiest way for families, with parking available.
🚌 Bus: A cheaper option, but less practical with younger kids and bags in tow.
✌️Final Thoughts from the Smiths On Tour
For us, The Lost World of Tambun wasn’t just a day at a waterpark – it was one of the highlights of our travels so far. It offered thrills for Joe, unforgettable animal encounters for Tilly, and a rare chance for me to sit back, relax, and enjoy the moment.
The unique jungle setting, the variety of attractions, and the atmosphere made it stand out from anywhere else we’ve been. It’s not just about slides – it’s about creating memories together in a truly unique environment.
If you’re travelling in Malaysia with kids, make sure to add Tambun to your itinerary. It’s not always the biggest attractions that stay with you, but the ones where you laugh, connect, and remember why you’re travelling in the first place.
For us, this was one of those days, one of the best!
